After several weeks of delays, Maryland's first Steak 'n Shake opened Monday morning in Millersville.

Around 100 people attended a ribbon cutting ceremony at the restaurant, at 8100 Veterans Highway. Pakistan Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jiliani, as well as Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh, state senators Ed DeGrange and Edward Reilly, and state delegates Mark Chang and Sid Saab attended the event.

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, who according to a press release issued by the franchise on Friday had been slated to attend the ceremony, was not present.

The restaurant is owned by Khalil Ahmad, a Pakistani immigrant who worked nearly around the clock at two Glen Burnie gas stations after coming to the country in the late 90s. Eventually, Ahmad was able to open a number of gas stations and restaurants in the county.

"It is certainly a measure of great pride when we see Pakistani Americans wherever they are doing so much...they are making strong contributions to the U.S. economy," Jilani said.

About 100 people attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the state's first Steak 'n Shake Monday morning in Millersville.

About 100 people attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the state's first Steak 'n Shake Monday morning in Millersville. (By Ben Weathers, Staff)

County Councilman John Grasso, R-Glen Burnie, also spoke at the ceremony. The Old Mill High School marching band performed.

Mother and daughter Lisa Wilson, 54, and Jackie Wilson, 17, of Glen Burnie, came for lunch. The Wilsons became familiar with the brand while traveling to visit family in Tennessee every couple of months, they said.

The franchise, which formed in 1934 in Normal, Ill. has acquired a rabid fan base with its premium hamburgers and milk shakes.

"We heard about (the opening) and remembered the food. We were like 'wow,'" Jackie Wilson said.

"The food is affordable, it's delicious and the shakes are...phenomenal," the elder Wilson said.